Woman to Watch: Sara Poe

A year and a half ago, Sara Poe came on board with Tipping Point Communications, first as their media director now as vice president of media.

Poe manages the account service side of the business, supervising staff who work directly with clients in assessing their needs and crafting proposals on how best to achieve goals.She also oversees the company’s media buyers.

“It’s great, Poe says “this way I get to see both sides of the business.” In general, what excites Poe the most is the opportunity to find out about new industries. “I love learning about new clients,” she says.

“I love getting into the nitty gritty of what their business is and what makes them tick. It’s what keeps things interesting day to day.”

In addition, she manages client public relations campaigns which may include crisis management along with the more traditional public relations functions of content management, story placement in print, social media or coverage through local media.

Poe, a native of Scottsdale, Az., arrived in Rochester with visions of establishing a career in music, much like her dad had. But after graduating the Eastman School of Music with a bachelor’s in music and arts, specializing in oboe performance, she quickly learned the life of an orchestral musician did not suit her.

She went on to earn an MBA at St. John Fisher College and has held marketing and media positions at several local companies such as the Rochester Broadway Theater League, Butler Till Media and Dixon Schwabl.

In 2007-2008, while based in New York City, she served as national tour marketing manager for Disney’s The Lion King and toured with the company nationwide.

Though she did not follow in her father’s footsteps within the musical sphere, he very much served as Poe’s role model.

“I learned about dedication from my dad,” she says.

And dedication to her family was the impetus for her joining the board of the Towpath District for the Seneca Waterways Boy Scouts. Her dad, brother and husband are all eagle scouts. Now that her stepson is attempting to join their ranks, she wants to be there to support him.

She has become very involved with Habitat for Humanity and is a member of their ReStore Committee.

Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore outlet store resells, to the public, new or slightly used donated household items. The proceeds from these sales help support the organization’s home building efforts. “It’s a wonderful place and a wonderful cause,” Poe says.

Personal: Age 37, married with two step-children, lives in Victor

Occupation: Vice President, Media, Tipping Point Communications

Community activities: Towpath District for the Seneca Waterways Boy Scouts board member and also serve on the ReStore Committee of Habitat for Humanity

My favorite thing to do in Rochester: Visit the public market downtown on Saturday mornings or on Sunday’s in May for Flower City Days

Biggest challenge I’ve overcome and how I did it: moved to NYC for an amazing job experience without knowing a soul. It was a tough year and a half but I’m so grateful to have had this experience

One thing I’ve always wanted to do: Run a ½ marathon

If I could change one thing about myself: I probably wouldn’t have lost my passion and drive to be a classical musician. I graduated from Eastman with a degree in Oboe Performance. The life of an orchestral musician wasn’t stable enough for me but I do wish I hadn’t lost that drive.

The talent I would most like to have: Professional ice skater

The one thing I can’t live without: A family dog

My favorite movie:As Good As It Gets

A person who has inspired me (and why): I lost my father 3 months ago so this is very fresh. My father was the most talented musician, jovial soul and best father I could have asked for. He has always inspired me but these days, I’m finding his inspiration in all of the amazing memories of the special times we had as a family while I was growing up. I’m incredibly blessed.